New York City FC has acquired Argentine midfielder Nicolás Fernández Mercau from Spain’s Elche CF and signed him as a Designated Player through the 2029 season, the club said Friday. The 25-year-old arrives after three campaigns at Elche, where he recorded a career-best seven goals and ten assists last season while helping the club win promotion to LaLiga. He previously debuted professionally with San Lorenzo in 2018 and has 13 goals and 15 assists in 147 senior appearances. Sporting director David Lee said Fernández Mercau’s technical ability and two-way intensity make him a “perfect-age” addition who can contribute immediately and over the long term. He will join captain Thiago Martins as the team’s second active Designated Player, with forward Talles Magno on loan at Corinthians. Under first-year head coach Pascal Jansen, NYCFC sits seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference with 31 points (9-7-4). Fernández Mercau will be eligible to debut when the league’s summer transfer window opens on 24 July.